Achilles tang

The Achilles tang is a surgeonfish (family Acanthuridae) native to the tropical Pacific, where it inhabits surge-swept reef zones and rocky shorelines. Its body is a deep velvety black, set off by a vivid orange teardrop marking near the tail base, orange-edged fins, and a white throat bar. A sharp scalpel-like spine at the caudal peduncle gives the group its common name. Active and strong-swimming, it can be territorial toward other tangs but is generally peaceful with unrelated species. It is best kept singly unless housed in a very large system. This is a demanding aquarium fish that needs a spacious tank with vigorous water flow, high oxygenation, and pristine water quality. It grazes constantly on algae and benefits from a diet rich in marine algae and nori alongside prepared foods. It is sensitive to poor conditions and prone to disease, so it suits experienced marine keepers.